Obama Convention Delegates to Administer "Net Neutrality" Rules

Washington, D.C.--Responding to concerns that the private companies that own the infrastructure over which internet communications are transmitted might some day set up a tiered system that gives some content providers an advantage over others, the federal agency charged with regulating electronic communications put a handful of Obama nominating convention delegates in charge of enforcing “net neutrality.”

When asked why Americans should trust the judgment of a few government officials over that of private companies driven to satisfy their customers by the forces of economic competition, one net neutrality official pointed to what he called his “extremely spirited hat,” complete with Obama campaign buttons and a protruding stuffed donkey.

"We'll maintain a strictly neutral stance on internet access," he said, "guided only by the needs of our ideological and financial political base."

Associated video: CNBC; ReasonTV; The Blaze; associated articles: Wall Street Journal; Associated Press; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703363704574503331828238574.html

Obama Convention Delegates to Administer "Net Neutrality" Rules

Washington, D.C.--Responding to concerns that the private companies that own the infrastructure over which internet communications are transmitted might some day set up a tiered system that gives some content providers an advantage over others, the federal agency charged with regulating electronic communications put a handful of Obama nominating convention delegates in charge of enforcing “net neutrality.”

When asked why Americans should trust the judgment of a few government officials over that of private companies driven to satisfy their customers by the forces of economic competition, one net neutrality official pointed to what he called his “extremely spirited hat,” complete with Obama campaign buttons and a protruding stuffed donkey.

"We'll maintain a strictly neutral stance on internet access," he said, "guided only by the needs of our ideological and financial political base."

Associated video: CNBC; ReasonTV; The Blaze; associated articles: Wall Street Journal; Associated Press; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703363704574503331828238574.html

House Democrats Unveil Health Care Bill Cutting Billions from Medicare on Steps of Aztec Ziggurat

House Democrats today unveiled a 1,900-page bill to create a largely government-run health care system on the steps of an Aztec ziggurat formerly used for human sacrifice.

The Democrats had originally planned on making the announcement on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, but changed their minds after it was determined the bill would be paid for in part with $500 billion in cuts to senior citizens' Medicare program.

Organizers said the new setting was more appropriate, given the service restrictions such unprecedentedly huge cuts in Medicare would require and the health care rationing that would result from driving private plans out of business.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke next to a statute on which the Aztecs placed sacrificial offerings to the gods before victims' bodies were hurled down a long stone staircase.

"Soon," she said, "there will be some new health care gods. They will be from the federal government, and they will be here to help."

Associated articles: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/29/AR2009102901841_2.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2009102902154; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703399204574505423751140690.html; Washington Post

House Democrats Unveil Health Care Bill Cutting Billions from Medicare on Steps of Aztec Ziggurat

House Democrats today unveiled a 1,900-page bill to create a largely government-run health care system on the steps of an Aztec ziggurat formerly used for human sacrifice.

The Democrats had originally planned on making the announcement on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, but changed their minds after it was determined the bill would be paid for in part with $500 billion in cuts to senior citizens' Medicare program.

Organizers said the new setting was more appropriate, given the service restrictions such unprecedentedly huge cuts in Medicare would require and the health care rationing that would result from driving private plans out of business.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke next to a statute on which the Aztecs placed sacrificial offerings to the gods before victims' bodies were hurled down a long stone staircase.

"Soon," she said, "there will be some new health care gods. They will be from the federal government, and they will be here to help."

Associated articles: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/29/AR2009102901841_2.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2009102902154; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703399204574505423751140690.html; Washington Post

1964 Ronald Reagan A Time for Choosing Speech, Updated

1964 Ronald Reagan A Time for Choosing Speech, Updated

Suddenly, Dissing Dalai Lama Now “Wicked Cool”

Style Section--While former President George W. Bush was often pilloried for the slightest imagined mistake, President Obama has snubbed the Dalai Lama so as not to offend China, given short shrift to Katrina victims in a recent visit to New Orleans, attempted to block a major media outlet from participating in the White House press pool, and even poked fun at the Special Olypics on a late night talk show. But unlike his predecessor, Obama's managed to make all those things "wicked cool."

"I used to think making fun of the Special Olympics was bad," said one teenager. "But if Obama's doing it, it must be poppin' slammin' off the hook!"

Other former "outs" that are now "in" include signing off on secret deals with drug companies, politicizing all aspects of the government, and playing lots of male-only basketball.

One style columnist described how Obama was greeted with cheers from reporters when he launched into an impromptu freestyle rap dissing the Dalai Lama between rounds of golf.

"When Obama went off on how the spiritual leader of a free Tibet should 'save the Lama for his Mama,' I knew we'd entered a new era of political chic," she said.

Associated articles: Washington Times; http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28764_Page2.html; Politico 1

Suddenly, Dissing Dalai Lama Now “Wicked Cool”

Style Section--While former President George W. Bush was often pilloried for the slightest imagined mistake, President Obama has snubbed the Dalai Lama so as not to offend China, given short shrift to Katrina victims in a recent visit to New Orleans, attempted to block a major media outlet from participating in the White House press pool, and even poked fun at the Special Olypics on a late night talk show. But unlike his predecessor, Obama's managed to make all those things "wicked cool."

"I used to think making fun of the Special Olympics was bad," said one teenager. "But if Obama's doing it, it must be poppin' slammin' off the hook!"

Other former "outs" that are now "in" include signing off on secret deals with drug companies, politicizing all aspects of the government, and playing lots of male-only basketball.

One style columnist described how Obama was greeted with cheers from reporters when he launched into an impromptu freestyle rap dissing the Dalai Lama between rounds of golf.

"When Obama went off on how the spiritual leader of a free Tibet should 'save the Lama for his Mama,' I knew we'd entered a new era of political chic," she said.

Associated articles: Washington Times; http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28764_Page2.html; Politico 1

The best made plans...are sometimes nearly unplanned

We took a spontaneous trip up North for an autumn experience.

Colorful leaves


make for good raking.



Grandmonkeys preparing homemade applesauce




A glimpse of the collapsed bridge over the mighty Missus


New bridge gleaming


Northward...

A most Superior lake



Lovely bridge


Big ships


Skippin' rocks


Toastin' mallows.


Site of the proposal...taken on our 13th anniversary


Saw the luminous colors of red, yellow, and orange leaves still on their hosts...

Smelled the pine trees, wood fires, and dried leaves...

Heard the crunch of fallen leaves under our feet...

Felt the cold air...and even the large billowy snowflakes gently falling...

Tasted s'mores on the shores of Lake Superior, warmed up with hot chocolate...

and fortified our stash of wild rice, maple syrup, cheese curds, apples.


Best of all...
a renewal of our souls.

Obama's Afghanistan Strategy Decision Making Process Captured on Time-Lapse Photography

Obama's Afghanistan Strategy Decision Making Process Captured on Time-Lapse Photography

Yuppietariat Celebrates Revolutionary Cash for Golf Carts Program

The American yuppietariat has long fought against industriousness and personal responsibility, and today yuppies nationwide celebrated the ultimate culmination of that crusade in the federal "cash the golf carts" program.

Part of the "cash for clunkers" legislation, the golf cart scheme is the result of a federal credit that provides from $4,200 to $5,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle, which can include road worthy golf carts with side and rearview mirrors and three-point seat belts under a related IRS ruling.

With golf carts now provided at taxpayer expense, yuppiecrats are finally liberated from the oppression of sloping hills and gravely terrain that has long "kept golfers down" by limiting their ability to squeeze 18 rounds into a single golf session.

Said one celebrant, "Finally, with this latest expropriation of private wealth, the yuppietariat can free itself of the alienation inherent in capitalism and become empowered to spend hours upon hours trying to hit a tiny ball into a small hole, over and over again."

Associated article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204574473724099542430.html

Yuppietariat Celebrates Revolutionary Cash for Golf Carts Program

The American yuppietariat has long fought against industriousness and personal responsibility, and today yuppies nationwide celebrated the ultimate culmination of that crusade in the federal "cash the golf carts" program.

Part of the "cash for clunkers" legislation, the golf cart scheme is the result of a federal credit that provides from $4,200 to $5,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle, which can include road worthy golf carts with side and rearview mirrors and three-point seat belts under a related IRS ruling.

With golf carts now provided at taxpayer expense, yuppiecrats are finally liberated from the oppression of sloping hills and gravely terrain that has long "kept golfers down" by limiting their ability to squeeze 18 rounds into a single golf session.

Said one celebrant, "Finally, with this latest expropriation of private wealth, the yuppietariat can free itself of the alienation inherent in capitalism and become empowered to spend hours upon hours trying to hit a tiny ball into a small hole, over and over again."

Associated article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204574473724099542430.html

Critics Worry Influence of Global Warming Religion on Congress Violates Separation of Church and State

Washington, D.C.--Democratic proponents of a cap-and-tax bill that would restrict energy production and increase its cost vigorously defended that legislation, rejecting the latest scientific findings and saying it's "an article of faith that we return to the Garden of Eden."

"Opponents of this gospel are arguing the taxes it imposes aren't justified by science," said Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA). "But the bill doesn't impose taxes. It imposes a tithe."

Other defenders of the legislation argued for the immutable truths embodied in the bill. "This isn't about the scientific method," said Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA). "It's about natural law."

Associated article: http://www.crichton-official.com/speech-environmentalismaseligion.html; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/6494213/Climate-change-belief-given-same-legal-status-as-religion.html

Critics Worry Influence of Global Warming Religion on Congress Violates Separation of Church and State

Washington, D.C.--Democratic proponents of a cap-and-tax bill that would restrict energy production and increase its cost vigorously defended that legislation, rejecting the latest scientific findings and saying it's "an article of faith that we return to the Garden of Eden."

"Opponents of this gospel are arguing the taxes it imposes aren't justified by science," said Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA). "But the bill doesn't impose taxes. It imposes a tithe."

Other defenders of the legislation argued for the immutable truths embodied in the bill. "This isn't about the scientific method," said Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA). "It's about natural law."

Associated article: http://www.crichton-official.com/speech-environmentalismaseligion.html; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/6494213/Climate-change-belief-given-same-legal-status-as-religion.html

Bloated, Slothful Star Wars Celebrity Featured in New PSA Supporting Government-Run Public Option in Health Care

Bloated, Slothful Star Wars Celebrity Featured in New PSA Supporting Government-Run Public Option in Health Care

Journalists Protest Ideologically Segregated White House Press Pool

Associated articles: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/23/white-house-loses-bid-exclude-fox-news-pay-czar-interview/; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/us/politics/23fox.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss

Journalists Protest Ideologically Segregated White House Press Pool

Associated articles: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/23/white-house-loses-bid-exclude-fox-news-pay-czar-interview/; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/us/politics/23fox.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss

Following Its Campaign to Promote Capitalism, US Chamber of Commerce Reminds Americans "Serfdom Sucks"

Forced by the current political environment to launch an educational campaign promoting capitalism, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has followed up with another educational campaign on the downsides of serfdom to help make sure people understand the difference between free enterprise and government control.

"We're just picking up on points made by Friedrich von Hayek," said a Chamber spokesperson, referring to the author of the 1944 classic "The Road to Serfdom," and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics. Hayek famously pointed out that when government centrally enforces economic plans, individuals lose their capacity to deal with others on a mutually voluntary and beneficial basis that tends to satisfy everyone's unique preferences. And when government inevitably fails in fully achieving its stated goals, it demands more power, not less.

The education campaign includes medieval tapestries of serfs following the orders of their lords and reminds people that "Serfdom sucks."

Associated article: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/15/100-million-campaign-promotes-capitalism/

Following Its Campaign to Promote Capitalism, US Chamber of Commerce Reminds Americans "Serfdom Sucks"

Forced by the current political environment to launch an educational campaign promoting capitalism, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has followed up with another educational campaign on the downsides of serfdom to help make sure people understand the difference between free enterprise and government control.

"We're just picking up on points made by Friedrich von Hayek," said a Chamber spokesperson, referring to the author of the 1944 classic "The Road to Serfdom," and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics. Hayek famously pointed out that when government centrally enforces economic plans, individuals lose their capacity to deal with others on a mutually voluntary and beneficial basis that tends to satisfy everyone's unique preferences. And when government inevitably fails in fully achieving its stated goals, it demands more power, not less.

The education campaign includes medieval tapestries of serfs following the orders of their lords and reminds people that "Serfdom sucks."

Associated article: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/15/100-million-campaign-promotes-capitalism/

Poll Shows Clear Majority of Americans Support Public Option When Described as "Magic Pixie Dust"

Advocates of a government-run health insurance plan, called the "public option," touted a new poll showing clear majorities of Americans support the idea when phrased as "magic pixie dust."

Pollsters had been asking people whether or not they supported "the government's creation of a new health insurance plan to compete with private health insurance plans."

But critics pointed out that phrasing was misleading because the government would not compete with private plans, but rather impose restrictive fees and taxes on them, undercut their prices with taxpayer money, and eventually drive them out of business, leaving the government plan as the only one available.

As a result, pollsters came up with a shorter, more accurate polling question that shows clear majorities supporting a "magic pixie dust" option over "hard reality."

Associated articles: TIME; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/25/AR2009102502041.html

Poll Shows Clear Majority of Americans Support Public Option When Described as "Magic Pixie Dust"

Advocates of a government-run health insurance plan, called the "public option," touted a new poll showing clear majorities of Americans support the idea when phrased as "magic pixie dust."

Pollsters had been asking people whether or not they supported "the government's creation of a new health insurance plan to compete with private health insurance plans."

But critics pointed out that phrasing was misleading because the government would not compete with private plans, but rather impose restrictive fees and taxes on them, undercut their prices with taxpayer money, and eventually drive them out of business, leaving the government plan as the only one available.

As a result, pollsters came up with a shorter, more accurate polling question that shows clear majorities supporting a "magic pixie dust" option over "hard reality."

Associated articles: TIME; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/25/AR2009102502041.html

Dollar Weakens Following Collapse of Obama Merchandise Market

With the market for Obama merchandise collapsing, and the Treasury selling a record amount of debt to finance a budget deficit that totaled $1.4 trillion in fiscal year 2009, central banks around the world are increasingly snubbing dollars in favor of euros and yen.

American economists favoring government-planning policies failed to predict the remarkably swift collapse of the “Obama merchandise bubble,” leaving hapless investors stuck with Obama pins, t-shirts, and Chia Pets. “These Obama paper dolls aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on anymore,” said one victim of the bursting bubble.

Associated articles: Washington Post; New York Daily News; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33063420/ns/politics-white_house/; http://bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aA6_py_71g_o; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204574470961505506386.html; http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.a9c1d8758a5fc4e5ede14d5a3ec887ad.661&show_article=1

Dollar Weakens Following Collapse of Obama Merchandise Market

With the market for Obama merchandise collapsing, and the Treasury selling a record amount of debt to finance a budget deficit that totaled $1.4 trillion in fiscal year 2009, central banks around the world are increasingly snubbing dollars in favor of euros and yen.

American economists favoring government-planning policies failed to predict the remarkably swift collapse of the “Obama merchandise bubble,” leaving hapless investors stuck with Obama pins, t-shirts, and Chia Pets. “These Obama paper dolls aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on anymore,” said one victim of the bursting bubble.

Associated articles: Washington Post; New York Daily News; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33063420/ns/politics-white_house/; http://bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aA6_py_71g_o; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204574470961505506386.html; http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.a9c1d8758a5fc4e5ede14d5a3ec887ad.661&show_article=1

After 7 Months of Stimulus Spending, 6 Million Fewer Jobs Than Obama Promised; White House Says Jobs Not Lost, But Rather "People Fled the Country"

Associated table: http://www.republicans.waysandmeans.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=150826

After 7 Months of Stimulus Spending, 6 Million Fewer Jobs Than Obama Promised; White House Says Jobs Not Lost, But Rather "People Fled the Country"

Associated table: http://www.republicans.waysandmeans.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=150826

After Trying to Delegitimize Fox News, White House Makes Bo Liaison to Other Media Lapdogs

Associated video and articles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlMILRyDRdM&feature=player_embedded; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/us/politics/23fox.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/22/AR2009102203801.html; http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28497.html

After Trying to Delegitimize Fox News, White House Makes Bo Liaison to Other Media Lapdogs

Associated video and articles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlMILRyDRdM&feature=player_embedded; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/us/politics/23fox.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/22/AR2009102203801.html; http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28497.html

Health Care Bill to Impose Huge Tax Penalty on Those Without Health Insurance, Law Degrees

Washington, D.C.--The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office recently concluded that adding tort reform and other limits on frivolous lawsuits to the health care bill Congress is considering would save at least $54 billion in health care costs.

But according to former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, "the reason tort reform is not in the bill is because the people who wrote it did not want to take on the trial lawyers," who give 95% of their political donations to Democrats.

Without the savings of tort reform, the bill raises the costs of health care paid by the lower and middle classes and imposes additional tax penalties on anyone who doesn't buy their own health insurance, otherwise known as the "health insurance mandate."

In response to critics, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid announced a compromise in which a new "law degree mandate" would be added to the legislation that would require everyone to attend law school and become lawyers, or else face the same stiff tax penalties they would if they failed to buy health insurance.

"That way," said Reid, "everyone covered by the bill can enjoy the same unlimited right to file frivolous lawsuits against doctors and share in the vast waste of resources caused by our current system of jackpot justice." He added, "They can also contribute more money to the Democratic Party."

Associated article: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/15/tort-reform-savings/

Health Care Bill to Impose Huge Tax Penalty on Those Without Health Insurance, Law Degrees

Washington, D.C.--The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office recently concluded that adding tort reform and other limits on frivolous lawsuits to the health care bill Congress is considering would save at least $54 billion in health care costs.

But according to former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, "the reason tort reform is not in the bill is because the people who wrote it did not want to take on the trial lawyers," who give 95% of their political donations to Democrats.

Without the savings of tort reform, the bill raises the costs of health care paid by the lower and middle classes and imposes additional tax penalties on anyone who doesn't buy their own health insurance, otherwise known as the "health insurance mandate."

In response to critics, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid announced a compromise in which a new "law degree mandate" would be added to the legislation that would require everyone to attend law school and become lawyers, or else face the same stiff tax penalties they would if they failed to buy health insurance.

"That way," said Reid, "everyone covered by the bill can enjoy the same unlimited right to file frivolous lawsuits against doctors and share in the vast waste of resources caused by our current system of jackpot justice." He added, "They can also contribute more money to the Democratic Party."

Associated article: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/15/tort-reform-savings/

Court Declares Obama "Hope" Poster "Fraud," "One Humongous Metaphor"

New York, New York--Shepard Fairey, the artist who popularized and profited from the now famous Obama "Hope" poster, admitted in court proceedings that he lied about an Associated Press photograph he used to design the image and destroyed evidence showing he had illegally copied it in violation of the "fair use" doctrine of intellectual property law.

Following those revelations, a federal judge overseeing the case declared the Obama "Hope" poster a "fraud" and "one humongous metaphor."

Associated article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091017/ap_en_mu/us_ap_poster_artist_24

Court Declares Obama "Hope" Poster "Fraud," "One Humongous Metaphor"

New York, New York--Shepard Fairey, the artist who popularized and profited from the now famous Obama "Hope" poster, admitted in court proceedings that he lied about an Associated Press photograph he used to design the image and destroyed evidence showing he had illegally copied it in violation of the "fair use" doctrine of intellectual property law.

Following those revelations, a federal judge overseeing the case declared the Obama "Hope" poster a "fraud" and "one humongous metaphor."

Associated article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091017/ap_en_mu/us_ap_poster_artist_24

White House Communications Director Who Says Killer of Tens of Millions is Her "Favorite Philosopher" Dismisses "Death Panel" Concerns

Anita Dunn -- the White House communications director who told high school students her favorite philosopher was Mao Tse-Tung, the Chinese communist leader who killed tens of millions of people -- dismissed charges that Democrats' health care proposals could lead to "death panels."

"That notion is absolutely ridiculous," she said. "It's not like the panel's power grows out of the barrel of a gun. Yet."

Associated video: http://hotair.com/archives/2009/10/15/video-fox-bashing-wh-mouthpiece-names-chairman-mao-as-her-favorite-philosopher/; The Independent

White House Communications Director Who Says Killer of Tens of Millions is Her "Favorite Philosopher" Dismisses "Death Panel" Concerns

Anita Dunn -- the White House communications director who told high school students her favorite philosopher was Mao Tse-Tung, the Chinese communist leader who killed tens of millions of people -- dismissed charges that Democrats' health care proposals could lead to "death panels."

"That notion is absolutely ridiculous," she said. "It's not like the panel's power grows out of the barrel of a gun. Yet."

Associated video: http://hotair.com/archives/2009/10/15/video-fox-bashing-wh-mouthpiece-names-chairman-mao-as-her-favorite-philosopher/; The Independent

Russian Government Gives Obama Gift of Custom Russian Dolls

Russian Government Gives Obama Gift of Custom Russian Dolls

Seniors Warned Not to Trust Strange Presidents With Candy, $250 Government Checks

As President Obama continues to support health care changes that would dramatically cut Medicare payments to seniors and invite medical services rationing by the government, the White House has become increasingly concerned it will lose the support of the elderly now that the formula according to which Social Security increases are calculated resulted in no added benefits this year, due to a poor economy.

Consequently, authorities are concerned now that the administration is supporting payments to seniors in an attempt to pacify them, and officials are warning the elderly to beware strange presidents with candy and $250 checks.

“We’ve seen increasing reports of a fellow in a black limousine, pulling up beside older people, and offering them lollipops and government checks,” said police. “We’re strongly urging folks to beware these tactics, for their own safety.”

Associated articles: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/14/AR2009101403954.html?hpid=topnews; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/21/AR2009102102847.html; CNBC

Seniors Warned Not to Trust Strange Presidents With Candy, $250 Government Checks

As President Obama continues to support health care changes that would dramatically cut Medicare payments to seniors and invite medical services rationing by the government, the White House has become increasingly concerned it will lose the support of the elderly now that the formula according to which Social Security increases are calculated resulted in no added benefits this year, due to a poor economy.

Consequently, authorities are concerned now that the administration is supporting payments to seniors in an attempt to pacify them, and officials are warning the elderly to beware strange presidents with candy and $250 checks.

“We’ve seen increasing reports of a fellow in a black limousine, pulling up beside older people, and offering them lollipops and government checks,” said police. “We’re strongly urging folks to beware these tactics, for their own safety.”

Associated articles: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/14/AR2009101403954.html?hpid=topnews; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/21/AR2009102102847.html; CNBC

Seeking to Avoid Tough Questions, Obama Appears on Sesame Street for Elmo Interview, Makes Elmo Cry

Sesame Street, USA--As even the far-left Nation magazine calls President Obama the “Whiner-in-Chief” for his administration’s relentless avoidance of Fox News and its complaints that media outlets aren’t sufficiently fawning over his policies, Obama agreed to be interviewed by Elmo, via satellite, on the hard-hitting political debate program “Sesame Street.”

Associated articles: http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/483551/print; http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/15/fox-hunting/?feat=home_editorials

Seeking to Avoid Tough Questions, Obama Appears on Sesame Street for Elmo Interview, Makes Elmo Cry

Sesame Street, USA--As even the far-left Nation magazine calls President Obama the “Whiner-in-Chief” for his administration’s relentless avoidance of Fox News and its complaints that media outlets aren’t sufficiently fawning over his policies, Obama agreed to be interviewed by Elmo, via satellite, on the hard-hitting political debate program “Sesame Street.”

Associated articles: http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/483551/print; http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/15/fox-hunting/?feat=home_editorials

Political Deal Results in Senate Committee Agreeing to Health Care Bill Taxing Poor and Middle-Class, Rich Agreeing to Release the Hounds

Washington, D.C.--Following a grand political compromise, a Senate committee agreed to a health care bill that would be paid for by taxing the poor and middle class, and in return the rich agreed to "release the hounds."

President Obama promised during the campaign that "If you're a family making less than $250,000 a year, my plan won't raise your taxes one penny -- not your income taxes, not your payroll taxes, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes." Despite that pledge, the health care bill Obama supports in the Senate would impose excise taxes that raise about $52 billion. Of that, about 87 percent of the revenue would come from individuals with incomes less than $200,000.

As one rich person pleased with the agreed-to revenue source said, "We all have to sacrifice for the goal of government-run health care. It was the least I could do to contribute my ravenous hounds."

Associated articles: http://www.aei.org/article/101152; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204574471292249934348.html

Political Deal Results in Senate Committee Agreeing to Health Care Bill Taxing Poor and Middle-Class, Rich Agreeing to Release the Hounds

Washington, D.C.--Following a grand political compromise, a Senate committee agreed to a health care bill that would be paid for by taxing the poor and middle class, and in return the rich agreed to "release the hounds."

President Obama promised during the campaign that "If you're a family making less than $250,000 a year, my plan won't raise your taxes one penny -- not your income taxes, not your payroll taxes, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes." Despite that pledge, the health care bill Obama supports in the Senate would impose excise taxes that raise about $52 billion. Of that, about 87 percent of the revenue would come from individuals with incomes less than $200,000.

As one rich person pleased with the agreed-to revenue source said, "We all have to sacrifice for the goal of government-run health care. It was the least I could do to contribute my ravenous hounds."

Associated articles: http://www.aei.org/article/101152; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204574471292249934348.html

Senators Boldly Answer Call of History, Say Wazzup!

Senators Boldly Answer Call of History, Say Wazzup!

Schoolhouse Rock Revises "I'm Just a Bill" Cartoon to Account for Senate's "Conceptual" Health Care Legislation

The classic educational cartoon series "Schoolhouse Rock" has revised its "I'm Just a Bill" episode to account for a Senate committee's vote on "conceptual" health care legislation that has not yet been reduced to actual legislative language.

In the new version of the cartoon, "Bill" has been renamed "Dieter," after a fictional West German expressionist art critic who was played by comedian Mike Myers on the show "Saturday Night Live."

Dieter showed little interest in the guests he interviewed on his talk show "Sprockets," just as the Senate committee voting on health care legislation seems little interested in the actual results of large-scale changes to the entire U.S. health care system.

In keeping with the "conceptual" theme of the Senate's "legislative" process, the new cartoon features Dieter responding to criticisms of the health care changes he personifies by saying "Your narrative has become tiresome," and, in some cases, simply yelling "Touch my monkey!" -- a reference to his pet monkey Klaus.

Producers of the revised episode acknowledged it might "freak some kids out," but they said they felt obligated to present "an accurate depiction of the Senate legislative process."